Ricotta Cookies

These are hands-down our favorite cookies! I made these for the first time the Christmas we were engaged. I found them in a cookbook called Better Homes and Gardens - America's Best-Loved Community Recipes. When my friend Kelly and I get together every year to make Christmas cookies, these are definitely at the top of the list.

2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
15 oz. carton ricotta cheese

Frosting:
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar
Nutmeg (optional but necessary in my opinion)

Beat sugar and butter on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth. Add half the flour, the baking soda and salt, beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour and ricotta cheese. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350° for 12 min. or until bottoms are slightly browned. Tops should not brown at all.
Frosting: blend cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Frost each cookie and sprinkle with nutmeg. (makes 5 dozen).